Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) has broken ground on construction of the new multi-million dollar Halifax Stanfield Air Cargo Logistics Park.
The park is aimed at growing exports and trade from Nova Scotia, which include lobster and aeronautical components. The long-term target is to add storage capacity for seafood products destined for global markets.
The Air Cargo Logistics Park will be built on 25 acres of vacant land at Halifax Stanfield and will include a new cargo apron area, buildings for cargo handling, an aircraft de-icing facility and associated operational areas both airside and groundside. The facility is expected to open in early 2021.
The Air Cargo Logistics Park is being funded by investments of C$18 million from the federal government, $5 million from the provincial government, and $13 million from HIAA.
HIAA president and CEO, Joyce Carter said: “HIAA is thrilled to officially break ground on our new Air Cargo Logistics Park, which will further increase cargo capacity at the airport.
“This facility will create jobs, enhance trade and expand international capacity to foster exports not only for Nova Scotia, but also for the entire region.”
Cargo exports out of Halifax Stanfield have seen five consecutive years of record growth. Overall, air cargo exports created a total economic output of $514.1 million for the provincial economy.
In 2018, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island’s economy also benefited from Halifax Stanfield’s cargo services, with $65.7 million worth of goods exported through Halifax, creating a total economic output of $100.1 million for those provinces.
Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil, said the new cargo facility will play a key role in helping Nova Scotia businesses bring more of their world-class products, including live lobster, to international markets.
“The new cargo processing and logistics facility – the largest in Atlantic Canada – will be an important addition to our transportation network,” he added.
